UK Electric Cars

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UK Electric Cars

When this page was first written back in 2006 the choice of electric cars available in the UK was very limited. Since then the number of models available has grown and the electric car is a fairly common site on Britain's high streets.

Apart from rising fuel costs the popularity of the electric car has further been enhanced by its environmentally friendly credentials. These yield financial benefits such as zero band UK road tax, London congestion charge exemption and free parking and charging points in certain parts of the capital such as the Borough of Westminster.

The following electric cars can now be purchased in the UK.


Reva G-Wiz
One of the first electric vehicles in Britain was the US designed G-Wiz which is manufactured by the Indo-US Reva Electric Car Company. There are three versions, the original DC which offers a top speed of 40 mph (40 mile range on a single charge). The newer AC gives a top speed of 45 mph, greater torque at higher speed and a 48 mile range.

The latest version is the G-Wiz i and the first two models are now only available as used purchases. Top speed is 50mph with a range of 48 miles. A full charge takes 8 hours and 9.6kWh of electricity which will cost around 50p. Insurance group 1.


NICE Car Company
The NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) Car Company was founded in 2006 and its current range comprises of 4 vehicles. At time of writing (January 2009) the company has entered administration. More details to follow.

Mega City: Built in France, the Mega City is pitched at city dwellers and gives a maximum speed of 40mph with a range of 60 miles. Charge time is 5-8 hours and the vehicle seats 2 or 2+2.

MyCar: The MyCar is a small 2-seater coupe with Italian styling. Maximum speed is 40mph and a range of 60 miles whilst charge time is 5 hours.

Ze-0: NICE are aiming at the family market with the 5-door Ze-0. Maximum speed is 55mph with a typical range for city driving of 40 miles. The battery charges in 8-10 hours and there are 5 seats.

e500: Produced to order in Italy by Micro-Vett, the e500 is an electric Fiat 500. The four seater can manage 75 miles over typical city driving conditions and has a maximum speed of 60mph.


Quiet Car Company
Based in Lymington, the Quiet Car Company produces two electric cars, the Quiet Car 1 and Quiet Car 2 both of which have a range of around 60-65 miles. The smaller Quiet Car 1 can reach 45mph and fully charges in 5 hours. The Quiet 2 is a larger, family oriented vehicle based on a petrol vehicle frame. It has 5 doors, a maximum speed of 55mph and good boot space.


Sakura Maranello4
At just 2.64m in length, the Maranello4 from Italy is a two seater designed for the city. Top speed for the Maranello4 is 30mph with a 40 mile range. The car comes with a 36 month warranty (24 month for the battery).


Elettrica
The result of Italian design and British engineering, the Elettrica is similar in styling to the Smart Car and comes in two guises: the Li554 and La253. The more powerful lithium-ion powered Li554 has a range of 55 miles and a top speed of 45 miles whilst the La253 can travel 25 miles on a single charge with a maximum speed of 30mph. The Electtrica can carry two passengers.


Micro-Vett Ydea
Built by the same Italian company who are responsible for the e500, the Ydea has an excellent range of around 100 miles. Top speed is 40mph with an 8 hour battery charge time.


GEM
GEM or Global Electric Motorcars are a Chrysler company and have the e2 and e4 electric models available for sale in the UK. These are essentially the same car with the number in the name referring to the number of passengers that can be carried. Maximum speed is 30mph with a range of 30 miles.


Smart Ed
Although this page is concerned with cars that are currently available to buy in the UK, it's worth mentioning the Smart Ed. This car is currently undergoing a trail with several British companies and should be on-sale in the very near future.

The electric drive train is built for Smart by Zytek Electric Vehicles and the performance figures are impressive with a top speed of 60mph and a maximum range of 72 miles. Full battery recharge is 8 hours with a top up charge (30 to 80 percent capacity) taking 3.5 hours.